Masonry wall vent

ABSTRACT

A vent for an exterior brick wall. The vent includes a first enclosure which is installed in the brick wall in place of an entire brick. The enclosure defines a flow path from ambient conditions to the air in between the brick wall and an interior wall. The vent includes a shield for protecting the flow path of the enclosure from being obstructed by falling debris. Some embodiments includes a vertical section of vents which is also protected from falling debris such as trash mortar.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application 60/574,454, filed 26 May 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing a ventthrough a wall, and in particular, a vent that replaces a exterior brickin a brick wall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Masonry cavity walls have inner and outer vertical walls. The inner wallis typically constructed from wood with an inner surface of drywall,structural clay tile, vertical stacks of mortared bricks, or a shearconcrete surface. The outer wall is generally constructed from coursesof bricks that are held together by mortar. A space, or cavity, existsbetween the two walls.

The porous nature of brick allows water to enter the cavity. Also,moisture can condense on the inside of the wall under changingtemperatures. Either way, water may collect in the cavity between theinner and outer wall.

The presence of moisture in the space between the inner wall and outerwall is undesirable for a number of reasons. First, the trapped moisturecan degrade the inner and outer wall, causing a weakening of thestructure. Second, the presence of water under freezing temperatures mayalso cause cracks in the walls when the water expands as it freezes.Trapped water in the cavity between the inner and outer walls may causethe walls to become discolored, and may even leak into the dwelling. Yetanother undesirable outcome from the presence of trapped water is theformation of mold on the interior wall which can render the structureuninhabitable.

To overcome the problems associated with water trapped within a masonrycavity wall, weep holes are sometimes placed along the base of the outerwall. The weep holes allow water to pass from the cavity to drainoutside the wall structure. During construction of a masonry cavitywall, excess mortar and other debris can and does fall between the innerand outer wall. When the bricks are laid during the erection of theouter wall, for example, mortar droppings are squeezed into the spacebetween the walls. The excess mortar, as well as other debris, drops tothe base of the cavity, and can block the weep holes.

There are other solutions which attempt to overcome these problems. Forexample, some builders place a small breathable structure in the weephole, or alternatively a small shield in the weep hole, either of whichattempts to prevent mortar and other debris from obstructing passage ofair through the hole. However, even if successful in preventingobstruction of the weep hole, these small between-brick weep holes oftendo not have flow paths which are sufficiently large enough to aerate anddry out interior walls that are damp enough to support mold growth orother damage caused by excessive moisture.

The present invention presents novel and non-obvious methods andapparatus for venting a brick wall.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is anapparatus for venting behind a brick wall. The apparatus includes ahorizontal portion having substantially the same width and height asanother brick in the wall. The horizontal vent includes at least oneporous barrier. The horizontal vent includes an entrance and an exit.Preferably, the apparatus includes a shield for preventing fallingdebris from obstructing the vent.

Yet other embodiments of the present invention include a second verticalvent in fluid communication with the horizontal vent and extending in adirection substantially parallel to the height of the horizontal vent.The vertical vent can include a lateral face having at least one venthole in fluid communication with the interior of the horizontal vent.

These and other aspects of various embodiments of the invention will beapparent from the drawings, description and claims to follow.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front, side, and top perspective view of a vent assemblyaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 3 as takenalong line 5-5.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a brick wall of a building incorporatingvent assemblies according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a vent assembly according to one embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top, rear, left side exploded perspective view of theapparatus of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a front, bottom, left side exploded perspective view of theapparatus of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a front, top, right side exploded perspective view of aportion of the apparatus of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 7 installed in apartially built wall.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 7 installedin a partially built wall.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated device, and such further applicationsof the principles of the invention as illustrated therein beingcontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates.

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for providing oneor more vents through a wall of the building. In one embodiment, thesevents are placed in a brick wall, although other embodiments of theinvention are not so limited. In other embodiments, the presentinvention contemplates one or more vents through a wall at a first, lowheight, and one or more additional vents placed at a second, higherheight in the wall.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides a venting assemblyhaving a horizontal portion which replaces one brick from the wall.Preferably, when the wall is constructed, one brick is left out and theventing assembly is provided in its place. Preferably, the ventingassembly is adhered to the surrounding bricks by mortar, although otherembodiments of the present invention are not so limited.

In the preferred embodiment, the vent assembly has a horizontal portionwhich is adapted and configured to replace a brick. The dimensions forthe length, height, and width of the horizontal portion are selected tobe consistent with the size of the brick being replaced and consistentwith the orientation of other bricks that are adjacent to the replacedbrick.

Some bricks are identified by three dimensions: width, height andlength. Height and length are sometimes called face dimensions for theseare the dimensions showing when the brick is laid as a stretcher. Theterms applied to brick positions as they are placed in a wall are shownin FIG. 3 at the web page www.bia.org/bia/technotes/t10B.htm of theBrick Industry Association. These positions include: soldier, sailor,stretcher, header, rowlock stretcher, and rowlock.

Bricks can be referred to in terms of nominal, specified and actualdimensions. Nominal dimensions are most often used by the architect inmodular construction. In modular construction, dimensions of the brickand other building elements are often multiples of a given module. Suchdimensions are known as nominal dimensions. For brick masonry thenominal dimension is equal to the specified unit dimension plus theintended mortar joint thickness. The intended mortar joint thickness isthe thickness required so that the unit plus joint thickness match thecoursing module. In the inch-pound system of measurement, nominal brickdimensions are based on multiples (or fractions) of 4 in. In the SI(metric) system, nominal brick dimensions are based on multiples of 100mm. For more information on modular construction see Technical Notes 10ARevised.

As the name implies, the specified dimension is the anticipatedmanufactured dimension. Specified dimensions are used by the structuralengineer in the rational design of brick masonry. In non-modularconstruction, the specified dimension should be used. Tables 1 and 2 ofthe aforementioned web site provide the specified and nominaldimensions, where applicable. The actual dimension of a unit is thedimension as manufactured. Actual dimensions may vary slightly from aspecified size. The actual dimensions of a brick must fall within therange of sizes defined by the specified dimensions plus or minus thespecified dimensional tolerances. Dimensional tolerances are often foundin the ASTM standard specifications for brick, such as ASTM C 216Standard Specification for Facing Brick. The various embodiments of thepresent invention shown and described herein can be used with any size,shape, and orientation of brick. The present invention contemplatesthose embodiments which can be used with any type of brick, regardlessof whether the brick uses nominal, specified, or actual dimensions.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a venting assembly 20 according toone embodiment of the present invention. Assembly 20 includes ahorizontal vent 30 and a vertical vent 40. Horizontal vent 30 is adaptedand configured to a length 22, front height 24, and depth 26 which areconsistent with the size, shape, and orientation of the brick beingreplaced. As shown, vent assembly 20 includes a horizontal portion 30having a nominal length of 8 inches, a nominal height of 2⅔ inches, andnominal depth of 4 inches. This brick size is sometimes referred to as a“modular” brick. The corresponding specified dimensions of this samebrick are a length of 7⅞ inches, a height of 2¼ inches, and a depth of3⅝ inches. However, the present invention also contemplates replacingbricks of other standard sizes, including the engineer modular, closuremodular, roman, norman, engineer norman, utility, meridian, through-wallmeridian, double meridian, double through-wall meridian, standard,engineer standard, closure standard, king, and queen.

In this particular embodiment, vent assembly 20 replaces one particularstandard size of brick in the orientation shown in FIG. 1 (i.e., length22 is the largest dimension of the replaced brick; height 24 is thesmallest dimension of the replaced brick). However, the presentinvention contemplates wall vent assemblies adapted and configured toreplace bricks which would otherwise have been placed on a front or rearsurface, or on a left or right surface. For example, the presentinvention contemplates brick positions known as the soldier, sailor,stretcher, header, rowlock and rowlock stretcher. Further, in yet otherembodiments of the present invention, the dimensions of the horizontalvent 30 are consistent with a half brick (such as a length that isone-half of the length 22 shown in FIG. 1). Further, the presentinvention contemplates wall vent assemblies that replace any standardsize and standard shape of brick, including non-rectangular bricks andfurther including standard size and standard shape of concrete blocksand one-half size concrete blocks.

FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 show side, rear, and front views, respectively, ofventing assembly 20. As best seen in FIG. 2, vent assembly 20 has ageneral L-shaped configuration. Horizontal vent 30 preferably includes atop surface 31 which has a depth greater than the depth of the brick tobe placed above vent assembly 20, so that vertical vent 40 does notenter interfere with the back side of the brick placed above surface 31.Horizontal portion 30, in some embodiments, includes a rear slot 38which is adapted and configured to couple to vertical vent 40. In otherembodiments, the horizontal and vertical vents are formed integrally,including for example vent assemblies formed from sheet metal and alsovent assemblies molded in plastic. However, the present invention is notlimited to any particular type of fabrication, nor is there anylimitation with regard to the coupling of the horizontal vent to thevertical vent.

Vertical vent 40 has a width that is preferably about the same as width22, although the invention is not so limited. The height 28 of vent 40preferably extends several inches above top surface 30, and morepreferably extends upward a multiple of the height dimension 24 of asingle brick. The depth of the vertical vent 40 is preferably less thanthe distance from the rear face of the adjacent bricks to the opposingface of the interior wall. In one embodiment, vertical vent 40 fitseasily in the gap between the interior wall and the brick wall.

As best seen in FIG. 5, horizontal vent 30 includes a first porousbarrier 32, a second porous barrier 34, and one or more rear vents 39.Preferably, first barrier 32 is adapted and configured to discourageinsects and rodents from entering vent assembly 20. Preferably, secondbarrier 34 includes vent holes only in the upper half, such that asubstantially solid bottom half acts as a barrier to prevent water fromentering behind the wall from the outside. Further, one or more rearvents 39 minimize the volume of horizontal vent 30 which will hold waterfrom the inside of the vented brick wall. Horizontal vent 30 permits thefree flow of air and water vapor, especially from the inside of thevented wall outward to ambient conditions.

Horizontal vent 30 is in fluid communication with vertical vent 40.Vertical vent 40 extends upward inside the vented brick wall, preferablybetween the interior surface of the brick wall and the opposing surfaceof an inner wall (such as those fabricated from wood, a second row ofbrick, sheet rock, concrete blocks, or other suitable buildingmaterials). Preferably, vertical vent 40 is of a height that extendsupward one or more rows of bricks. However, in other embodiments of thepresent invention, horizontal vent 40 has a more limited verticalheight. In yet other embodiments, the vent assembly includes only ahorizontal vent, with no vertical vent.

In a preferred embodiment, vertical vent 40 includes a plurality of sidevents 42 which are in fluid communication with a largely open,unobstructed interior of horizontal vent 30. Preferably, vertical vent40 does not include any vent holes along the top surface, which holescould otherwise be blocked by excess mortar as the brick wall isconstructed. In some embodiments, vertical vent 40 includes a nail strip44 for attaching vent assembly 20 to an interior wall with one or morefasteners.

Vent assembly 20 is preferably placed in a brick wall as the wall isbeing constructed. Horizontal vent 30 replaces one brick in itsentirety. Vertical vent 40 extends upward behind the brick wall. Anywater vapor or other gases between the brick wall and the secondinterior wall are free to enter vertical vent 40 through a side vent 42,flow into horizontal vent 30 through the connection at slot 38, and flowthrough porous barriers 32 and 34 out to ambient conditions.

FIG. 6 shows a building 50 having an exterior wall 52 made from aplurality of bricks 54. As wall 52 is constructed, a plurality ofbrick-sized apertures are provided at a first height along the wall andrelatively close to the ground. One or more additional brick-sizedapertures 56 are also provided, in some embodiments of the presentinvention, at a second, greater height above the ground and closer tothe building roof. As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of vent assemblies20.1 and 20.2 have been mortared into brick wall 52 within correspondingbrick-sized apertures. A third, higher vent assembly 20.3 has beenmortared into wall 52 at a second location near the top of wall 52.

FIGS. 7-12 depict yet another embodiment of the present invention. Theuse of a one-hundred prefix (1XX) in front of an element number (XX)refers to an element (1XX) that is the same as the element (XX), exceptfor those changes shown and described. FIGS. 7-12 are drawnapproximately to scale. However, the invention is not so constrained,and other scaling proportions are contemplated within other embodimentsof the present invention.

FIGS. 7-10 depict various views of a wall vent assembly 120 according toanother embodiment of the present invention. Vent assembly 120preferably includes a horizontal vent or first enclosure 130 which isslidingly coupled to a shielding member 140. First enclosure 130 has alength 122, height 124, and width or depth 126 which are adapted andconfigured to replace a brick in a brick wall. Preferably, thesedimensions are chosen such that enclosure 130 can be mortared into placein a brick wall in place of a commercially available brick. However, thepresent invention is not so constrained, and can also be sized to fit ina wall of custom shaped and sized bricks. In one embodiment, the lengthof the first enclosure is about 7.7 inches; the height is about 2.5inches; and the width is about 3 inches. By adapting and configuring thedimensions of enclosure 130 to replace an entire brick, it is easy foran inspector to visually assure that the vent assembly has beeninstalled, in contrast to small weep holes or weep insert product.Further, the much larger size of an entire brick as compared to the sizeof mortar in between bricks (as for a weep hole) further assures thatthe wall has an adequately sized flow path for breathing or naturalconvection into and out of the space in between the interior wall andthe exterior brick wall.

As best seen in FIG. 10, enclosure 130 in one embodiment comprises a tophalf 130 a, a bottom half 130 b, and a porous barrier 132 locatedtherebetween. Porous barrier 132 is held in place by aligning pairs ofstiffening ridges 137, and acts as a barrier to insects and rodents.Preferably, the porosity of barrier 132 is selected such that thebarrier does not appreciably impede the free flow of air through thebarrier as driven by the processes of natural convection and diffusion.In one embodiment, each of the plurality of holes in barrier 132 areabout 0.06 inches in diameter. Additional internal stiffening ridges 137can be seen in FIG. 9.

In one embodiment, top half 130 a and bottom half 130 b are injectionmolded plastic, and have a wall thickness of about 0.08 to about 0.1inches. Enclosure halves 130 a and 130 b are aligned together by matingperipheral ridges which extend along two opposing sides. Also, each sideof enclosure 130 includes snap-together, complementary male and femalecouplings 130 c and 130 d. Preferably, enclosure 130 is fabricated tohave a color that is generally the same as the color of the surroundingbricks.

Assembly of top and bottom halves 130 a and 130 b create an aperture 135in the rear face of first enclosure 130. Aperture 135 is adapted andconfigured to slidingly and loosely receive a second enclosure 145 thatis preferably part of venting and shielding member 140. Preferably,second enclosure 145 has a width that is less than the width 22 of firstenclosure 130. In yet other embodiments, aperture 135 has a first shape,and the slidingly received portion of second enclosure 145 has about thesame shape, but with dimensions that are smaller to ensure the slidingand generally loose fit. However, any resulting gap between aperture 135and second enclosure 145 is made small enough to block the entrance oftrash mortar into first enclosure 130.

As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, venting and shielding member 140 includesa substantially vertical protected channels 147 which are in fluidcommunication with enclosure 145. The laterally outward-most sides ofchannel 147 a include a plurality of vent openings 142, which in oneembodiment of the present invention are scalloped, semi-circularopenings. A plurality of vertical ribs 147 b and horizontal ribs 147 cextend outwardly from a face of shielding member 140. The combination ofsides 147 a, ridges 147 b and c, and the face of shielding member 140combine to form the various protected channels 147 which establish aportion of flowpath 141 which extends along the vertical length ofshielding member 140. Flowpath 141 also extends into second enclosure145, as best seen in FIG. 8.

Second enclosure 145 includes a pair of deflectable ears 146 which arepushed inward when enclosure 145 is slid into aperture 135, and whichthereafter snap out into place to act as mechanical stops which obstructthe sliding separation of the joined shielding member 140 and firstenclosure 130. As best seen in FIG. 9, after engagement, secondenclosure 145 can be slid away from first enclosure 130 by the slidinglength 148, which is preferably a length greater than one inch. Morepreferably, second enclosure 145 can be slid from first enclosure 130 bya distance from 0 inches (touching) to about 1.6 inches (fullextension). However, the present invention is not constrained to any ofthe specific dimensions provided herein. The adjustable engagement ofenclosure 145 within enclosure 130 preferably permits vent assembly 120to be installed in exterior walls that are different distances from theinterior wall.

One end of shielding member 140 includes a fastener strip 144 throughwhich fasteners can be inserted for attachment of vent assembly 120 toan interior wall. Fastener strip 144 further includes a shelf 143adapted and configured to minimize any obstruction of apertures 142 fromfalling debris mortar.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show a wall vent assembly 120 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention as installed in a brick wall. FIGS.11 and 12 show an exterior brick wall 152 being constructed in front ofan interior wall 153. A plurality of bricks 154 are adhered together bymortar to form brick wall 152. A vent assembly 120 is shown installedover a pair of bricks 154 and adjacent to another brick 154. Ventassembly 120 is held in place in brick wall 152 by mortar 155. In someembodiments of the present invention, a plurality of vent assemblies areinstalled in an exterior brick wall, each vent being 5 to 6 feet fromthe adjacent vent.

As commonly happens during the construction of a brick wall, excessmortar applied to hold in place higher level bricks falls downwardbetween the interior of brick wall 152 and the outermost surface ofinner wall 153, as best seen in FIG. 12. This debris mortar 158 does notappreciably block the free flow of ambient air through flowpaths 131 and141 through vent assembly 120. Referring to FIG. 12, debris mortar 158has fallen on top shelf 149 of enclosure 145. However, shelf 149 andenclosure 145 are adapted and configured such that this debris mortar158 does not appreciably impede the free flow of air, such as by naturalconvection, through flowpath 141 of enclosure 145. Further, shelf 143along fastener strip 144 further protects flowpath 141 within theprotected channels 147.

In one embodiment, the height 128 of channels 147 from shelf 149 toshelf 143 is about 13 inches. Referring to FIG. 11, although someembodiments of the present invention are shown to have a verticalportion of shielding member 140 that extends for a distance of more thanabout one brick height, the present invention is no so constrained, andalso includes those embodiment in which a second enclosure does notinclude a vertical portion of appreciable length, and which is fastenedto the interior wall at a position close to the second enclosure.

Further, although some embodiments of the present invention are shownwith a vertical portion of shielding member 140 that extends in theupward vertical direction, the present invention is not so constrainedand also includes those embodiments in which the vertical portionextends in the downward vertical direction from second enclosure 145. Insuch embodiments, the side of enclosure 145 opposite to shelf 149 actsas the shelf which prevents falling debris mortar from impeding the freeflow of air through flow path 141 of enclosure 145.

Yet other embodiments of the present invention brick portion use onlythe brick portion or enclosure 130 for repair of water-damagedstructures during the processes of repair and remediation. In such casesa brick and the surrounding mortar is removed from the damaged wall anda brick portion or first enclosure 130 is mortared into the wall.However, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments inwhich additional bricks are removed to facilitate installation of theassembly of brick portion 130 and venting and shielding assembly 140.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that allchanges and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventionare desired to be protected.

1. A method for venting a wall including bricks, comprising: providing aplurality of bricks of predetermined height and predetermined width;providing a vent assembly which includes a portion having a heightsubstantially the same as one of the predetermined heights and a widthsubstantially the same as one of the predetermined widths, the portionincluding a flowpath; constructing a wall with the bricks; placing thevent assembly in the wall adjacent to a plurality of the bricks;establishing fluid communication from one side of the wall to the otherside of the wall with the flowpath; and shielding the flowpath fromdebris on the one side of the wall.
 2. The method of claim 1 whereinsaid providing includes the vent assembly having a shelf, the shelfextending out from the one side of the wall after said placing; andwherein said shielding is by the shelf.
 3. The method of claim 1 whereinthe portion is a first portion and the wall is a brickwall which furthercomprises: providing a second portion of the vent assembly having asecond flowpath, the second portion being slidingly received within thefirst portion; fastening the second portion to a second wall located onthe one side of the brickwall; and wherein said shielding includesengagement of the first portion and the second portion after saidfastening.
 4. An apparatus for venting a brick wall, comprising: a firstenclosure having a top, bottom, and opposing lateral sides, said firstenclosure including a flowpath for the free movement of airtherethrough, said first enclosure having the shape of a commerciallyavailable brick; a second member which extends beyond one of the top orbottom of said first enclosure, said second member including a protectedchannel for the free movement of air therethrough, the flowpath and thechannel being in fluid communication, said channel being protected fromfalling debris.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said second memberextends for a length that is at least twice the distance from the top tothe bottom.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said second member andsaid first enclosure are slidingly coupled together.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 4 wherein said protected channel includes a shelf and a pluralityof vent openings, said shelf being adapted and configured tosubstantially obstruct falling debris from entering said vent openings.8. The apparatus of claim 4 which further comprises a porous barrierwhich extends substantially across the flow path of said firstenclosure.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said porous barrierincludes a plurality of holes having a diameter less than about 0.1inches.
 10. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said first enclosure has acolor that is about the same as the color of a brick.
 11. An apparatusfor venting a brick wall, comprising: a first enclosure adapted andconfigured to replace at least a portion of a brick in a brickwall; saidfirst enclosure including a flowpath for substantially unrestricted flowof air therethrough, said first enclosure defining an aperture; a secondshielding member slidingly coupled to said first enclosure, said secondshielding member including at least one surface having surface areawhich projects vertically, said at least one surface being positioned tosubstantially obstruct blockage of the flowpath by falling debris. 12.The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said second shielding member isadapted and configured to be attached by a fastener to a second wall.13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said first enclosure has a firstwidth, said second shielding member includes a second enclosureslidingly received by said first enclosure and having a second width,the second width being about equal to or less than the first width. 14.The apparatus of claim 11 wherein one of said first enclosure or saidsecond shielding member includes a mechanical stop for limiting thesldiing movement of the second shielding member away from said firstenclosure.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the flowpath is a firstflowpath, and said second shielding member includes a second enclosureslidingly received in the aperture, said second enclosure including asecond flowpath in fluid communication with the first flowpath.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 11 wherein said first enclosure and said secondshielding member are slidingly engageable for at least one inch oflength.